Symphony Sunday – Bright Shadow Fanfare by Nicole Piunno
Symphony Sundays aims to share some of the greatest recent performances given by our indoor ensembles. This week features the Purdue Wind Ensemble, directed by Professor Jay Gephart, performing Bright Shadow Fanfare by Nicole Piunno. This piece was recorded live on on February 16, 2024 at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Lafayette, Indiana.
American composer Nicole Piunno holds a doctorate of musical arts degree in composition and a master of music degree in theory pedagogy from Michigan State University. Piunno has composed many works for winds, both for large ensemble and chamber ensembles. She describes herself as “a composer who views music as a vehicle for seeing and experiencing the realities of life. Her music often reflects the paradoxes in life and how these seeming opposites are connected as they often weave together.” Bright Shadow Fanfare highlights these dichotomies by contrasting a bombastic opening fanfare with a lyrical and soaring middle section. A driving rhythmic motive propels the otherwise lyrical central section, gradually takes over, and drives the piece towards its dramatic ending.
The composer writes the following about the work: The intense contrast in Bright Shadow Fanfare refers to two possible meanings. It could mean bringing our darkness into the light in order to integrate it with our true self. It could also mean revealing our positive traits and gifts that we may not allow ourselves to show or give to others.
This post is adapted from the composer’s program notes.